Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

No Nukes demonstration filling the busy streets of Shibuya - - Abnormal suppression from the police

On May 7th, around 10 thousand people participated in a “Stop the Nuclear Power Plant” march in Shibuya, Tokyo, in a light rain. A previous rally held in Koenji on April 10 was attended mostly by young people, but this time there was more diversity, with more union members and senior participants. Many participants said they appreciated the Prime Minister's decision to stop operation of the Hamaoka nuclear power plant but that we should not slacken the reins. The march started at 3pm and the police came in between the sound truck and the demonstrators. The participants who wanted to walk and dance freely were stunned by the move. They repeatedly demanded that the police back off. Suddenly in the confusion, two protestors were arrested for obstructing police officers near Harajuku station. Despite such harassment, the demonstration was a success, filling the busy streets of Shibuya with live music and chants of “no nukes!” There was good coverage in the mass media including NHK TV news, which reported the no nuke demonstration as feature news for the first time. (M)Union Tube:,Our Planet TV:,Photo: The demonstration filling the busy streets of Shibuya